A Norwegian source told WPM the issue is in connection with the yaw bearings. A notice released by the Oslo stock exchange on 22 April said all of the turbines have been taken out of service until the facts have been clarified.

"Any repairs will likely involve significant costs. As a result, the value of Hundhammerfjellet Research Park was written down by a further NOK 191 million (EUR 25 million) in 2012 and all ScanWind turbines are valued at zero," NTE reported.

Overall, the company made a post-tax loss of NOK 157 million (EUR 21 million) in 2012 on revenue of NOK 3116 million (EUR 410 million), in part due to the test wind station and other write-offs, but also as a result of the impact the dramatic fall in wholesale electricity prices had on its electricity generation business.

NTE originally established the Hundhammerfjellet R&D project in partnership with wind turbine supplier ScanWind to establish a Norwegian manufacturer of wind turbines for the international market, said the Oslo stock exchange notice.

ScanWind was sold to GE in 2009. Only one offshore turbine, the GE-4.1 113, followed the acquisition and was installed in Gothenburg harbour. Speaking to Windpower Monthly, former GE VP for renewables Vic Abate said there were no plans to take the turbine into production.

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